Police quiz MP Simon Danczuk over historic 'rape' allegation

Simon Danczuk has voluntarily attended a police station in Lancashire where he was interviewed under caution following an allegation of rape, sources said.

The embattled 49-year-old Rochdale MP, who previously said the rape claims against him were "malicious, untrue and extremely upsetting", is currently suspended from the Labour Party while he is being investigated regarding sexually explicit messages to a 17-year-old.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary said: "A 49-year-old man from Greater Manchester has today (Tuesday January 12) voluntarily attended a police station in Lancashire where he was spoken to following an allegation of rape.

"The man attended by prior appointment and was not arrested. He was interviewed under caution.

"A complaint was made to Lancashire Constabulary on January 4 2016 by a woman aged 39 of a historic rape dating back to 2006. Inquiries are on-going."

The force spokesman added: "We take all allegations of a sexual nature extremely seriously and understand how difficult it can be for victims to have the confidence to come forward.

"As a constabulary, we are committed to investigating sexual offences sensitively but robustly recognising the impact that these types of crimes have on victims.

"We would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, or who has information about it, to have the confidence to report it to us knowing that we will take it seriously, deal with it sensitively and investigate it thoroughly."

Mr Danczuk's personal life has repeatedly made the headlines over the past year following the collapse of his marriage to his second wife Karen.

The father-of-five's ex-girlfriend Claire Hamilton said she broke up with the MP shortly after Christmas after he admitted sending texts to the 17-year-old.

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